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Obituary for Loyal Day Rhynard
Loyal Day Rhynard April 30, 1943 – November 13, 2021
I’ve always been asked, “What is my favorite car?” and I’ve always said “The next one.” -Carroll Shelby
A Life Well Lived
The youngest of five siblings, Loyal Day Rhynard (AKA: Mike Senior) was born in Lansing Michigan, in 1943, where he grew up on a family farm.
Even as a child, Mike took a deep interest in the mechanics of the automobile – a passion that stayed with him throughout his entire life. His first vehicle was a Ford Model T which was a gift from his father when he was 12 years old. He rebuilt its engine three times until he reached the age of 16 when he finally reached the legal driving age.
Mike was a kind man who always looked for common ground. His fortitude for forging diplomacy was a skill he used in the Air Force, at the City and County of Denver, raising kids and grandkids, building friendships, and keeping his family close and engaged.
Mike joined the Air Force in 1965 and traveled to Pakistan and France as an Airfield Radio Technician. After the service, he started his civilian career as an electrician. He was a member of the Electrical Union, IBEW - Local 68, and worked at Sturgeon Electric, and later with the City and County of Denver.
Over the span of 30 years, Mike was appointed Chief Electrical Inspector and later the Director of the entire Building Department for the City and County of Denver. Some notable projects include the Denver International Airport, the Denver Convention Center, Denver General Hospital and many other large buildings and projects in downtown Denver. Mike was a respected leader and received The Mayor’s Award of Excellence from John Hickenlooper.
Mike loved NASCAR and football and would fill up as many weekends as possible, with his family by his side, cheering on his favorite drivers and, of course – his hometown team – the Denver Broncos!
Mike’s first Mustang was a 1969 black convertible. Over the years, he owned a green ‘66 convertible, a white ‘72 Mach 1, a red ‘66 Mustang GT Fastback (he rebuilt from the ground up and is still in the family), a blue ‘65 Galaxy 500 convertible, a ‘49 Mercury, ‘56 green Chevy Step Side Truck, a ‘69 Torino, ‘75 Econoline Van (with Snoopy on the side and blue shag carpet – which perfectly fit its era), 2013 Mustang GT Convertible, 2015 50th anniversary Limited Edition Mustang (still in the family), and most recently a 2021 Edge ST. While these were some of the most notable – Mike also owned countless other Fords, Chevy’s, and even an Oldsmobile!
Mike was an active man through his entire life. In retirement, he stayed busy with a wide range of projects around the house or helping his wife/children/grandchildren with everything from deck building and pizzelle baking to math homework and Science Fair projects. His other interests included playing cards, tinkering in his garage (or any garage with friends), racing slot cars and racing at Bandimere. He was a longstanding member of the Denver Mustang Club and Old Car Council, where he served in various leadership roles, including that of president, treasurer and trustee. His membership in the DMC spanned over 40 years and many eras of the Ford Mustang.
Mike Senior was a caring and kind husband to Loma, his bride of over 52 years. Together, they raised three children and have built a legacy of love with five grandchildren. Favorite family activities included memorable holiday celebrations, road trips, camping, cruises to a wide range of destinations and his unyielding determination to attend as many activities for the grandchildren as possible: cheerleading, football, basketball, theatre and many other milestones.
Mike was a kind man who never met a stranger. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Loma Marie Rhynard (Littleton) and adult children - Michael Stephen Rhynard (Sandi); Kristen Michelle Rhynard; Mary Elizabeth Mejeur (Scott); Grandchildren – Kady Ashley Trejo (Edgar), Lani Rae Rhynard, Kory Austin Turner, Kenna Marie Rascon and Jordan Day Rhynard; and Siblings - Lois Ray Rhynard, Lila Kay Weinert, Stephen Arthur Bello (brother-in-law), and Jean Rhynard (sister-in-law) and a tribe of nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by: Parents – Gladys and Cecil Rhynard, Irene Rhynard (stepmother); Siblings – Dale Rhynard, Le Rhynard, Roger Weinert (brother-in-law) and Bev Rhynard (sister-in-law).
A Celebration of Loyal Day Rhynard’s Life has been changed and will be held at a later date. The new date will be posted on our website.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the American Heart Association in the name of Loyal Day Rhynard.
